War Studies & Philosophy

The rationale for this joint honours degree programme based in the central London is that key elements of the War Studies curriculum can be augmented and reinforced by studying philosophy as war touches every aspect of human existence.
Watch the video here, or access the 'interactive' tab to view at a larger size and see any alternative films playOverviewVideo('/prospectus/images/home.jpg','http://podcast.ulcc.ac.uk/accounts/kings/KCL_Marketing/WAR_STUDIES.flv','true','details_113'); KEY BENEFITS

War Studies:

• The leading department in the UK and one of very few in the world devoted exclusively to the multidisciplinary study of war as a phenomenon, providing a forum in which students can study all aspects of the impact of war on society.• Students are taught by leading experts who bring with them not only a wealth of knowledge and ideas but an extensive and continually growing network of links with influential external organisations.
• The department hosts a number of lectures throughout the year featuring high-profile guest speakers.
• Central location gives easy access to major libraries and links to the seat of government, the Imperial War Museum and the National Maritime Museum.
• Graduates pursue careers in a range of fields including government, academia, journalism, banking, policy development, and humanitarian organisations.

Philosophy:

• One of the largest and most distinguished philosophy departments in the country.• Ranked in the top six nationally for world-leading and internationally excellent research (Research Assessment Exercise 2008).
• King's offers an exceptionally wide range of optional courses, covering all areas of the history of philosophy and contemporary philosophy.
• Emphasis on small-group teaching ensures students acquire and hone the skills of critical thinking.
• Students are able to draw on the resources of other University of London philosophy departments.

PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION

The underlying rationale for each joint honours programme is that the key elements of the War Studies curriculum (and the modules which reflect them) can be augmented and reinforced by the study of other subject areas and disciplines, given the way in which war touches every aspect of human existence.

A joint honours degree is comprised of a total 360 credits studied over three years. Usually students complete half of their modules in the Department of War Studies and half in the partner department. Joint honours students must choose their modules for each year with the guidance of their personal tutor, taking into account timetabling factors for each department (eg avoiding clashes in timetables) and the requirements of each programme.

In War Studies, it is compulsory to take the modules in 'The Art of War Studies' and 'Contemporary Security Issues' in year one. Although there are no compulsory modules in Year 2, all joint honours students are required to ensure that at least one of their two optional module choices for the year is either Intelligence in War Studies or War in International Order or World War II in Europe. The final year dissertation is compulsory, but may be written with either department.

The War Studies elements provide students with a sophisticated understanding of war, both as a subject worthy of study and as an intellectual preparation for the widest possible range of career choices. These skills include the ability to handle a wide range of evidence, analyse complex issues and present conclusions in a clear and effective manner.

Our Department of Philosophy has particular strengths in philosophy of mind, philosophy of science and ancient philosophy. We are also able to offer an extremely wide range of modules, including subjects like Indian philosophy and medieval philosophy which are offered by very few other universities in the UK.

Click here to read about the Department of Philosophy
ABOUT THE Department of Philosophy
CAREERS Graduates have gone on to a wide range of careers after leaving King’s. Among those who have recently graduated, a survey uncovered a merchant banker, a police constable, a barrister, a trainee journalist, a trainee teacher and several who had returned (or were about to return) to university to take higher degrees. Recent graduates have found employment as…. • Analyst Consultant, Accenture • Asset Distributor, Universal Music • English Teacher, Primary School • Intern (Public Affairs), Science strategy company • Journalist, a business website • Operations Manager, Five UK • Research Assistant (Philosophy), a UK university • Film Production Assistant, Production company • Volunteer Development Support Officer, Diabetes uK
TEACHING STYLE In our undergraduate teaching, we aim to combine a wide range of study options with direct staff-student contact. Our emphasis on small-group teaching in tutorials and seminars makes King’s an excellent place to acquire and hone the skills of critical thinking, and to express your ideas both in writing and in philosophical discussion with your fellow students and instructors.
STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMMES & ASSESSMENT Our programme offers an unusually wide range of options, such as Philosophy of Psychology and Philosophy in the Islamic World. Study of these options builds upon the solid foundation of core courses in the first and second years, with a lot of choice between modules already in the second year. Assessment mixes examinations and essays, and all modules offer formative assessment to let you try out and explore your ideas.
LOCATION The Department is based at the College’s Strand Campus, in the heart of central London. The College’s Maughan Library is a short walk away on Chancery Lane.
Click here to read about the Department of War Studies
ABOUT THE Department of War Studies
CAREERS War studies students come from a variety of countries and backgrounds and go on to work in a range of fields including government (most commonly in Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs in the UK and abroad), academia, journalism, banking (often in emerging markets or risk analysis), research and policy think-tanks, humanitarian organisations and international organisations. Recent graduates have found employment as: • Account Executive, IT re-seller • Accounts Assistance, IJS Global • Army Officer, British Army • Consultant, Ernst & Young • Creative Writer, Groupon • Defence Analyst, Vision Gain • Parliamentary Assistant, House of Commons • Special Constable, Metropolitan Police • Trainee Accountant, a legal practice

For more information about career prospects and employability please see: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/sspp/departments/warstudies/employability.aspx
TEACHING STYLE Most of the department's academic staff play a full part in teaching at BA, MA and research level to ensure the maximum cross-fertilisation between teaching and research. A range of teaching methods are used including lectures, seminars and tutorials. The programmes in the Department of War studies are designed to enhance your analytical, conceptual, research and critical thinking skills which will increase your employability and aid professional career development.
STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMMES & ASSESSMENT The department offers single and joint honours programmes. The assessment method is a combination of essays, examinations, oral presentations and a dissertation.
LOCATION The prime, central position beside the River Thames brings outstanding advantages, and as a student you will enjoy the excellent social and cultural opportunities of the capital. The department is close to the seat of government, the City, the Royal Courts of Justice and the Inns of Court, the Imperial War Museum and the National Maritime Museum.

ABOUT THE Department of War Studies
CAREERS War studies students come from a variety of countries and backgrounds and go on to work in a range of fields including government (most commonly in Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs in the UK and abroad), academia, journalism, banking (often in emerging markets or risk analysis), research and policy think-tanks, humanitarian organisations and international organisations. Recent graduates have found employment as: • Account Executive, IT re-seller • Accounts Assistance, IJS Global • Army Officer, British Army • Consultant, Ernst & Young • Creative Writer, Groupon • Defence Analyst, Vision Gain • Parliamentary Assistant, House of Commons • Special Constable, Metropolitan Police • Trainee Accountant, a legal practice

For more information about career prospects and employability please see: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/sspp/departments/warstudies/employability.aspx
TEACHING STYLE Most of the department's academic staff play a full part in teaching at BA, MA and research level to ensure the maximum cross-fertilisation between teaching and research. A range of teaching methods are used including lectures, seminars and tutorials. The programmes in the Department of War studies are designed to enhance your analytical, conceptual, research and critical thinking skills which will increase your employability and aid professional career development.
STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMMES & ASSESSMENT The department offers single and joint honours programmes. The assessment method is a combination of essays, examinations, oral presentations and a dissertation.
LOCATION The prime, central position beside the River Thames brings outstanding advantages, and as a student you will enjoy the excellent social and cultural opportunities of the capital. The department is close to the seat of government, the City, the Royal Courts of Justice and the Inns of Court, the Imperial War Museum and the National Maritime Museum.